Leadership & Senior Staff

Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele, USMC (Ret.)(FL)

Chairman

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1965. He rose from private to three-star general, culminating his military career as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies, and Operations at Headquarters, US Marine Corps, in Washington, DC in August of...

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1965. He rose from private to three-star general, culminating his military career as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies, and Operations at Headquarters, US Marine Corps, in Washington, DC in August of 1999.

Upon his retirement from active duty in 1999, he served as President & CEO of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, the largest naval museum in the world. Currently, LtGen Steele serves as the Associate Vice President for Veterans Research, the Executive Director of Military Partnerships, and Co-Chair of the Veterans Reintegration Steering Committee at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.

LtGen Steele is a graduate of the University of Arkansas where he obtained a BA degree in History (’74) and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. He also holds three Masters Degrees from Central Michigan University, Salve Regina College, and the Naval War College.

Married to the former Cynthia Bayliss of Little Rock, Arkansas, they are the parents of three adult children, and have three grandchildren. Their son, David, is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps having served three tours of combat in Afghanistan.

Eric J. Candelori (VA)

Vice Chairman

Eric J. Candelori is a Senior Vice President-Investments with Merrill Lynch and has been with the firm for 27 years. He has been involved with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation for 37 years, and has served in several board leadership positions including Vice President, Treasurer and Acting President. Candelori is also a member of the...

Eric J. Candelori is a Senior Vice President-Investments with Merrill Lynch and has been with the firm for 27 years. He has been involved with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation for 37 years, and has served in several board leadership positions including Vice President, Treasurer and Acting President. Candelori is also a member of the board for the Navy Mutual Aid Association. He served in the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant from 1984-1987. Mr. Candelori and his wife, Heather Evans, live in Virginia and have two children.

Richard C. Hartnack (OR)

Treasurer

Rick Hartnack recently retired from a 42-year career in the banking industry. His final position was Vice Chairman, Consumer and Small Business Banking for US Bancorp. Previous experience included top management positions at Union Bank of California, First Chicago Corporation and First Interstate Bank. Hartnack had also served as a Director of the 12th Federal...

Rick Hartnack recently retired from a 42-year career in the banking industry. His final position was Vice Chairman, Consumer and Small Business Banking for US Bancorp. Previous experience included top management positions at Union Bank of California, First Chicago Corporation and First Interstate Bank. Hartnack had also served as a Director of the 12th Federal Reserve District, MasterCard and several banking industry trade associations. He served in the US Marine Corps as a Captain during the Vietnam War and flew 220 combat missions aboard the F-4B Phantom II as a RIO, stationed in Chu Lai, RVN. Rick and his wife Dail live in Black Butte Ranch, Oregon, and Palos Verdes Estates, CA. They have three grown children and 5 grandchildren.

Kevin N. Ainsworth (NY)

General Counsel

Kevin Ainsworth is a member of Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., where he supervises his firm’s pro bono legal services for the Scholarship Foundation. Since 2010, he has been selected annually for inclusion in New York Super Lawyers – Metro Edition, one of only 5% of New York lawyers to be so...

Kevin Ainsworth is a member of Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., where he supervises his firm’s pro bono legal services for the Scholarship Foundation. Since 2010, he has been selected annually for inclusion in New York Super Lawyers – Metro Edition, one of only 5% of New York lawyers to be so honored each year.

His law practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, and arbitration. He has also served as a neutral mediator for cases involving high profile trademarks and copyrights. In 2011 and 2012, he represented the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation as amicus curiae before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case concerning the Constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act. Kevin is active in local and national bar associations.

He serves on the Local Rules Committee for the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. He is on the Second Circuit Courts Committee of the Federal Bar Council and the ABA Copyright Litigation Committee. He is a contributing author to the ABA’s 2011 Annual Review of Intellectual Property Law Developments.

He is a past chair of the Committee on Science and Law of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. Kevin graduated with a B.S. in physics from the University of Michigan, where he was in NROTC. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a logistics officer, shore party platoon commander, and officer selection officer. After that, he attended Fordham University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 1994. He has been a member of the New York Leatherneck Ball committee since 1998, and was the chair of that committee for the Foundation’s 49th and 50th anniversaries.

C. Michael Armstrong (FL)

Director

Mike Armstrong is Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Health System Corporation and Hospital. He is the retired Chairman and Director Emeritus of Comcast Corporation and the former Chairman and CEO of AT&T and Hughes Electronics. Prior to these positions, he spent more than three decades with IBM. Beginning as a systems...

Mike Armstrong is Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Health System Corporation and Hospital. He is the retired Chairman and Director Emeritus of Comcast Corporation and the former Chairman and CEO of AT&T and Hughes Electronics. Prior to these positions, he spent more than three decades with IBM.

Beginning as a systems engineer, he rose through the ranks to become Chairman of the Board of the IBM World Trade Corporation. Armstrong holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Miami University of Ohio, an honorary Doctor of Engineering from Worchester Polytechnic Institute, and several honorary Doctor of Laws degrees. An active supporter of higher education and community activities, Mike is Vice Chairman, Johns Hopkins University and Chair of the Corporate/Foundation Campaign and National Trustee at Miami University.

He has served on several advisory boards, councils and boards of directors and is former Chairman of the President’s Export Council (President Clinton), the U.S.-Japan Business Council and the FCC’s Network Reliability and Interoperability Council. He is a retired Visiting Professor MIT Sloan School. He serves on the board of directors of IHS, IDS, the Telluride Foundation, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and in Naples, FL, the Neighborhood Health Clinic, the Forum Club of Southwest Florida and the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. He is a senior advisor at SV Investment Partners and Tudor Venture Capital.

Richard A. Bergen (NJ)

Director

Richard Bergen has served on the committees for the Scholarship Foundation New York Leatherneck Ball and the Jersey Shore Golf Tournament for 10 years. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968 with 2d Battalion, 26th Marines, including one year in Vietnam. He is now an account executive with...

Richard Bergen has served on the committees for the Scholarship Foundation New York Leatherneck Ball and the Jersey Shore Golf Tournament for 10 years. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968 with 2d Battalion, 26th Marines, including one year in Vietnam. He is now an account executive with R. K. Hughes Insurance and has been involved in commercial insurance for over 30 years. He also has worked with Habitat for Humanity and served on the committee for United Way of Monmouth County, NJ.

Deborah G. Carstens (AZ)

Director

Deborah Carstens is a Scholarship Foundation campaign cabinet member, an Arizona Scarlet & Gold committee member and past Chair and a major proponent of the Rockmore Society. She is the widow of veteran Marine, William Carstens, who remained active thru out his life with his Basic School 2-56 colleagues. Deborah grew up in San Diego,...

Deborah Carstens is a Scholarship Foundation campaign cabinet member, an Arizona Scarlet & Gold committee member and past Chair and a major proponent of the Rockmore Society. She is the widow of veteran Marine, William Carstens, who remained active thru out his life with his Basic School 2-56 colleagues. Deborah grew up in San Diego, California. She attended San Diego State University; was first in her family to graduate from college. One of her most relished honors was her selection as Distinguished Alumni for the College of Arts and Letters in 2004. Deb retired from a real estate career in 2000, which began in her hometown of San Diego, California and culminated handling sales and marketing of the Carstens’ land development projects near Telluride, Colorado.

Deb splits her time between Paradise Valley, Arizona and Washington DC. Managing Carstens Family Funds, which is active in three states, fulfills her philanthropic endeavors. The Funds’ focus is youth, education, and character-building. Deborah has traveled to all seven continents and lived in Geneva, Switzerland from 1994 to 1997. Her daughter, Lindsay and two granddaughters, who live in Virginia, bring particular joy.

LtGen Ronald S. Coleman USMC (Ret.) (VA)

Director

At the time of his retirement from the Marine Corps, Lieutenant General Coleman was serving as Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He joined the Navy in 1968 and was discharged upon his return from Vietnam in 1970. Graduating from Cheyney State University in 1973, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in December 1974....

At the time of his retirement from the Marine Corps, Lieutenant General Coleman was serving as Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He joined the Navy in 1968 and was discharged upon his return from Vietnam in 1970. Graduating from Cheyney State University in 1973, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in December 1974.

Following the Basic School in 1975, he reported to Camp Lejeune with 2d Marine Regiment and served as the Regimental Supply Officer, Platoon Commander, and S-4A. In November 1977, he transferred to 3d Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan, and deployed with Landing Support Unit Foxtrot. In November 1978, he reported to Officer Candidate School and served as the S-4, Supply Officer, Candidate Platoon Commander and Director, Non-Commissioned Officer School.

He attended Amphibious Warfare School during the 1981-82 academic year and was then transferred to HQMC Officer Assignment Branch, and served as a company grade monitor and Administrative Assistant to the Director, Personnel Management Division. In August 1985, Major Coleman was assigned as an instructor at Amphibious Warfare School. In 1987, he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. In 1988, he returned to Okinawa and served as the Operations Officer, 3d Landing Support Battalion; Executive Officer, 3d Maintenance Battalion; and Commanding Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment 35, Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force 4-90.

In June 1991, he reported to HQMC and served as the Logistics Project Officer and Head, Maintenance Policy Section, Installations and Logistics Branch. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in May 1992. In June 1993, he assumed duty as Commanding Officer, 2d Maintenance Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, and in December 1994, was reassigned as the Group Deputy Operations Officer. In August 1995, he reported to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University. In 1996, he reported to the Pentagon in the Logistics Directorate J-4, as Deputy Division Chief, Logistic Readiness Center.

He was promoted to colonel in July 1997 and returned to Camp Lejeune in 1998 for duty with the 2d Marine Division as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4. In April 1999, he deployed to the Balkan Region and served as J-4, Joint Task Force Shining Hope. He assumed command of 2d Supply Battalion in July 1999. In June 2001 he reported to HQMC as the Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities) and was promoted to brigadier general in November 2002. General Coleman reported to 2d Force Service Support Group in June of 2003 and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Commanding General, Special Purpose MAGTF until November 2003. He deployed again from February 2004 until June 2004 as Commanding General, Combined Joint Task Force Haiti, in support of Operation Secure Democracy.

General Coleman was assigned as the Director, Personnel Management Division on 1 July 2005 and was frocked to major general in May 2006. On 29 September 2006, General Coleman was assigned as Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and appointed to the rank of lieutenant general.

H. Lee Dixson, Jr. (MD)

Director

Lee Dixson joined Robison International, Inc. in February of 2003 as Director, Government Relations and currently serves as Executive Vice President. Lee has more than 35 years of experience working in the financial management field in the Department of Defense. During the last 19 years of federal service, he served in various positions as a...

Lee Dixson joined Robison International, Inc. in February of 2003 as Director, Government Relations and currently serves as Executive Vice President. Lee has more than 35 years of experience working in the financial management field in the Department of Defense. During the last 19 years of federal service, he served in various positions as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). He was a key senior financial advisor to the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Secretary of the Navy.

Dixson retired from the federal government in March of 2001. Prior to joining Robison International, he worked for IBM Business Consulting Services. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and was awarded a Fellowship in Public Affairs at Stanford University. He is married to Carolyn, a retired special education teacher, and they have a son and a daughter.

Joseph L. Driscoll (CA)

Director

Joe Driscoll is Chairman and Chief Executive of the Lansmont Corporation in Monterey, CA. A native of Boston, he is a proud graduate of Needham (MA) High School and Syracuse University, but received his most valuable education during the summer of 1967 in Quantico, VA, at the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class and...

Joe Driscoll is Chairman and Chief Executive of the Lansmont Corporation in Monterey, CA. A native of Boston, he is a proud graduate of Needham (MA) High School and Syracuse University, but received his most valuable education during the summer of 1967 in Quantico, VA, at the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class and was subsequently designated a Naval Aviator in 1969.

Prior to completing his Marine Corps service with a two-year tour as a flight instructor at the Navy’s Flight School in Pensacola, FL, then-Captain Driscoll had completed 534 combat missions flying a Cobra Gunship with HML-367 in 1970. He began his business career in 1973 and was managing his own manufacturing business by 1978.

Driscoll has lectured on business strategy and entrepreneurship at the University of California, has published numerous articles on business management, and is the author of the book “It’s Your Business.” He is a member of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s American Patriots Campaign Cabinet. Joe resides in Monterey, CA, where he was a member of the Board of Directors and past Treasurer for the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County.

Craig serves on the Board of Directors of Churchill Downs, Inc., Amsted Industries and Levy Acquisition Corp. His not-for-profit board memberships include Culver Educational Foundation, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, University of Chicago Hospitals, World Business Chicago, Executives’ Club of Chicago, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Economic Club and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Additionally, he is a member of the Chief Executives’ Organization, World Presidents’ Organization, and the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago. He also serves as an advisory board member for Frontenac Company and The Edgewater Funds. Craig is a past-Chairman of the Board of Visitors for the United States Naval Academy.

Craig holds a BBA and MBA from Southern Methodist University. He served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps between 1968-1971.

Donald V. Esmond (CA)

Director

Don Esmond is senior advisor to Toyota Motor Sales President and CEO Jim Lentz following a 30-year career with the company from which he retired as senior vice president, automotive operations, in July 2012. Esmond attributes much of his success to the values and leadership skills he developed as an officer in the United States...

Don Esmond is senior advisor to Toyota Motor Sales President and CEO Jim Lentz following a 30-year career with the company from which he retired as senior vice president, automotive operations, in July 2012.

Esmond attributes much of his success to the values and leadership skills he developed as an officer in the United States Marines Corps. Over his five-year career, Esmond distinguished himself as captain, naval aviator and helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, 45 Air Medals and the Purple Heart.

In 1999, Esmond received the prestigious Semper Fidelis Award from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. The Semper Fidelis Award is presented annually to an individual who has displayed “dedicated and inspirational civic and community leadership.”

A faithful Marine, Esmond later joined the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s board of directors on which he continues to serve today.

Donald W. Faul (CA)

Director

Don Faul is currently the Head of Operations at Pinterest, where he leads their community support and outreach efforts, user product marketing, and a series of responsibilities focused on scaling the organization. Before joining Pinterest, Faul served as the Vice President of Online Operations at Facebook, where he led the global user, developer, payments and...

Don Faul is currently the Head of Operations at Pinterest, where he leads their community support and outreach efforts, user product marketing, and a series of responsibilities focused on scaling the organization. Before joining Pinterest, Faul served as the Vice President of Online Operations at Facebook, where he led the global user, developer, payments and risk operations teams. Faul joined Facebook from Google, where he built and managed the operations supporting merchants using Google’s eCommerce products: Google Checkout, Product Search and Base.

He started his career as a Marine Infantry Officer, serving as a Platoon Commander with 1st Light Armored Battalion and 1st Force Reconnaissance Company. Faul completed combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq before transitioning to the private sector in 2003. He graduated with Honors from the United States Naval Academy with a bachelor’s of science in systems engineering and received his masters in business administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Faul also sits on the board of Nuru International, a non-profit focused on battling extreme poverty through sustainable development efforts.

John C. Heenan (PA)

Director

John Heenan is founder and CEO of Fairlane Management Corporation, established in 2002, working with a select customer base. Over his thirty-plus years of business experience with both public and private companies, he has managed acquisitions, transitions, and divestitures of companies, often small or family-owned businesses. Heenan's education includes an MBA in Multinational Finance from...

John Heenan is founder and CEO of Fairlane Management Corporation, established in 2002, working with a select customer base. Over his thirty-plus years of business experience with both public and private companies, he has managed acquisitions, transitions, and divestitures of companies, often small or family-owned businesses.

Heenan’s education includes an MBA in Multinational Finance from Wharton and a BS in Accounting from Drexel, where he finished first in the business school. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school, trained as an infantry assault man, and later served in Cuba (GITMO) and North Carolina. He is one of nine children and he credits God, his family, and the Marine Corps for providing him a wonderful, happy life. Heenan and his wife, Bernadette, live in suburban Philadelphia and have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

Michael Hegarty (NY)

Director

Michael Hegarty’s career spans 40 years in the business world and is defined by numerous leadership positions. He served as Senior Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of AXA Financial. In addition, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA...

Michael Hegarty’s career spans 40 years in the business world and is defined by numerous leadership positions. He served as Senior Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of AXA Financial. In addition, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA Financial.

Since leaving AXA Financial, Hegarty has continued his involvement in investment management, real estate and corporate leadership. He currently serves as a trustee of MFS Funds, director of Brookfield Properties Corporation, director of Rouse Properties Inc. and Capmark Financial. He is the Chairman of the Historic Hudson Valley, Chairman of Community Preservation Corporation, a trustee of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Iona College, and Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center. He also serves as a trustee of the Marine Corps Association.

Nigel W. Jones (MD)

Director

Nigel Jones is Senior Vice President at KoolSpan, a provider of hardware-anchored mobile encryption and security applications to protect data and voice communications over network-connected devices. He joined KoolSpan with over 16 years of experience in strategic financial management, fundraising, investor relations, and mergers & acquisitions, with a demonstrated track record of success. Nigel has...

Nigel Jones is Senior Vice President at KoolSpan, a provider of hardware-anchored mobile encryption and security applications to protect data and voice communications over network-connected devices. He joined KoolSpan with over 16 years of experience in strategic financial management, fundraising, investor relations, and mergers & acquisitions, with a demonstrated track record of success.

Nigel has been a partner at private equity investment firm TWJ Capital since 2006. Prior to joining TWJ Capital, Nigel was a Principal at the Carlyle Group, where he was a member of the U.S. Buyout team focused on the aerospace, defense, and federal technical services sectors. Prior to joining Carlyle, he was an Associate in the Technology Investment Banking group at Goldman Sachs & Co. Nigel holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree (magna cum laude) from Harvard University. Prior to business school, Nigel was a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1991 to 1995.

In his last assignment, he was the senior communications officer and communications platoon commander for the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

Karen Kelly (FL)

Director

Karen Kelly is a native of Teaneck, New Jersey. Her father was a Marine during WWII serving with the 4th Marine Division. She is the wife of General John F. Kelly USMC, and proud mother to 1stLt Robert M. Kelly USMC (KIA 11/9/10), Maj John Kelly USMC, and Kathleen Kelly. Kelly has spent thirty-five years...

Karen Kelly is a native of Teaneck, New Jersey. Her father was a Marine during WWII serving with the 4th Marine Division. She is the wife of General John F. Kelly USMC, and proud mother to 1stLt Robert M. Kelly USMC (KIA 11/9/10), Maj John Kelly USMC, and Kathleen Kelly. Kelly has spent thirty-five years as a tireless supporter of the Marine Corps and its families. In 2010, shortly after Robert’s passing, a scholarship was established in his memory through the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. It is her goal to make Robert’s scholarship strong enough to provide multiple yearly scholarships.

Sergeant Major Carlton M. Kent USMC (Ret.) (VA)

Director

Sergeant Major Kent served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1976 until 2011, and as sixteenth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps from April 2007 until June 2011. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star in lieu of second award, a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold...

Sergeant Major Kent served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1976 until 2011, and as sixteenth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps from April 2007 until June 2011. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star in lieu of second award, a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He is the recipient of the General Gerald C. Thomas Award for inspirational leadership.

James D. King (IL)

Director

Jim King is owner of Five Crowns Capital, an entrepreneurial real estate investment and development firm. He founded the firm in 2002 after retiring from RREEF, a full-service national real estate investment advisory firm with $20 billion of real estate under management in the United States. King was a partner at RREEF for nineteen years...

Jim King is owner of Five Crowns Capital, an entrepreneurial real estate investment and development firm. He founded the firm in 2002 after retiring from RREEF, a full-service national real estate investment advisory firm with $20 billion of real estate under management in the United States. King was a partner at RREEF for nineteen years and was the principal-in-charge of the acquisition and development departments, as well as serving on the firm’s policy and investment committees. Prior to RREEF, he was a partner with LaSalle Partners Inc. and Coldwell Banker.

King flew 210 missions in Vietnam in the A-6 Intruder as a Marine aviator. He and his wife, Suzanne, reside in Winnetka, IL, and have three children and five grandchildren.

Thomas J. Lyons (MA)

Director

Tom Lyons, Director for Community Services Department at MassHousing Agency, is a member of the Secretary of the VA Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans, Chairman of the Massachusetts Veteran and War Memorial Commission and a member of the Governor's Veterans Advisory Council and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Veterans Housing. Tom is the recipient of...

Tom Lyons, Director for Community Services Department at MassHousing Agency, is a member of the Secretary of the VA Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans, Chairman of the Massachusetts Veteran and War Memorial Commission and a member of the Governor’s Veterans Advisory Council and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Veterans Housing.

Tom is the recipient of the 2011 “Marine for Life” Award presented by General James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, for his 30 years of advocacy on behalf of our nation’s veterans. Tom was born in Boston and has lived most of his life in South Boston. He graduated from South Boston High School in 1967 and, shortly thereafter, joined the U.S. Marine Corps with five neighborhood friends. Three were killed in combat in 1968.

Tom served in the Marine Corps from 1967 through 1970 and is a combat veteran with a tour of duty 1968 – 1969 in Vietnam. In 1978, Tom organized a committee of Vietnam Veterans to pay tribute to the 25 sons of South Boston who died during the Vietnam War. In paying tribute to their own, Southie set an example for the rest of the nation to follow. The South Boston Vietnam Memorial, dedicated September 13, 1981, was one of the first of its kind in the nation.

In 1987, Tom founded the Semper Fidelis Society of Boston, a Marine Corps organization that has grown from 28 members to over 2,300. The Society sponsors a luncheon on the Marine Corps Birthday and funds raised are donated to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. To date, the luncheon and the Boston Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament have raised over $600,000 for the sons and daughters of Marines. Tom was the Commissioner for Veterans’ Services in the City of Boston from 1984 through 1995.

From 1995 through 2002, Tom demonstrated his lasting commitment to veterans through his work as the Executive Director at the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Tom lives in Wakefield, Massachusetts with his wife, Jean, and two daughters; Sarah, a graduate of Assumption College and Maura, a graduate of Emerson College. His son, Todd, is married with two sons living in Plano, Texas.

Todd is currently a Federal Agent in ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) and is a combat veteran of the Iraq war.

Katherine McCallum (NY)

Director

Katherine McCallum has served on the Scholarship Foundation's New York Leatherneck Ball Committee for more than five years. She grew up in Lawrence, Long Island, and was educated at the Lawrence School in Hewlett, New York, Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Connecticut, and the New York School of Interior Design. She worked as a photographic...

Katherine McCallum has served on the Scholarship Foundation’s New York Leatherneck Ball Committee for more than five years. She grew up in Lawrence, Long Island, and was educated at the Lawrence School in Hewlett, New York, Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut, and the New York School of Interior Design. She worked as a photographic fashion model from 1964-1967 when she married actor David McCallum. They have two married children and five grandsons and live in New York City.

McCallum has worked as an interior designer for thirty years at the firm McMillen, Inc. where she is vice president. Her father, Captain Edward (Tim) Carpenter, and her brother, Corporal George Whitney Carpenter, both served as United States Marines. Tim fought in the Pacific in WWII at Iwo Jima and other battles. Her beloved brother George was killed at DaNang in Vietnam in February of 1967.

Lieutenant General Frederick McCorckle USMC (Ret.)(TN)

Director

Lieutenant General McCorkle retired from the United States Marine Corps in October 2001. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and as a Senior Advisor for GKN Aerospace Services. He additionally serves on the boards of Atlas Air World Wide Holdings, Inc.; Rolls-Royce North America, Inc.; Lord Corporation; and JURA Corporation (where he also serves...

Lieutenant General McCorkle retired from the United States Marine Corps in October 2001. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and as a Senior Advisor for GKN Aerospace Services. He additionally serves on the boards of Atlas Air World Wide Holdings, Inc.; Rolls-Royce North America, Inc.; Lord Corporation; and JURA Corporation (where he also serves as President).

LtGen McCorkle last served as Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, DC. In this position, he was responsible for all of Marine Aviation (to include procurement, material and parts support, and maintenance of Marine Corps aircraft, with a budget of over eight billion dollars.

He was raised in Harriman, TN. In 1966, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University and, in 1979, received a master’s degree from Pepperdine University. After completion of Officer Candidates School and The Basic School in Quantico, VA (1967), he attended Naval Flight School, Pensacola, FL, and was designated a Naval Aviator in January 1969. He served in Vietnam with HMM-262 during 1969-1970 and flew over 1,500 combat missions. Throughout his career, he accumulated over 6,500 flight hours in over 65 different series of aircraft.

Personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit with three Gold Stars in lieu of second through fourth awards; Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star in lieu of second award; Purple Heart; Air Medal with Single Mission Award and 76 Strike/Flight Awards; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”; and Navy Achievement Medal.

LtGen McCorckle is married to the former Kathy Schwartz of Johnson City, TN.

James P. McGinty (PA)

Director

Jim McGinty was named Vice Chairman of CIG in November 2006, after serving as President of CIG, since February of 2000. CIG is a Bethesda, MD-based information services company focused on the global Higher Education community with more than 5,000 university customers in over 40 countries. McGinty was the President of Cambridge Scientific Abstract, a...

Jim McGinty was named Vice Chairman of CIG in November 2006, after serving as President of CIG, since February of 2000. CIG is a Bethesda, MD-based information services company focused on the global Higher Education community with more than 5,000 university customers in over 40 countries. McGinty was the President of Cambridge Scientific Abstract, a publishing division of CIG, from 1992 to 2000.

Born, bred and educated in Brooklyn, Jim holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from St. John’s University in New York, and received an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater in 1984. After graduating from St. John’s in 1966, McGinty was commissioned as a Marine officer and served in Vietnam with the 1st Marines. He spent 21 years in the Marine Corps Reserve, retiring as a colonel. He has been active with the Scholarship Foundation in New York and DC. McGinty and his wife Pat reside in Vienna, VA, and have three grown children, Clete, Kyle, and Devin.

Dennis P. Morris (WA)

Director

Dennis Morris is president and CEO of Allen Vanguard Corporation, a global leader in applying technologies and expert threat knowledge into fieldable solutions against terrorist threats (including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Radio Controlled IEDs, CBRN agents). Morris previously served with BAE Systems for more than 10 years, holding several positions including president of Global Tactical...

Dennis Morris is president and CEO of Allen Vanguard Corporation, a global leader in applying technologies and expert threat knowledge into fieldable solutions against terrorist threats (including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Radio Controlled IEDs, CBRN agents). Morris previously served with BAE Systems for more than 10 years, holding several positions including president of Global Tactical Systems, president of Armament Systems, vice president of Mission Success and vice president of International Marketing and UK Liaison.

He served in the US Navy as a department head/division officer on the nuclear powered attack submarine USS San Francisco. He also served as the flag aide to the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations, Undersea Warfare, and is retired from the Naval Reserve. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University.

Bernard A. Pekala (MA)

Director

Bernie Pekala is currently the Director of Student Financial Strategies, Boston College, and serves as the University's chief financial strategist in the areas of student financial aid, loans, accounts, collections, receivables, reconciliations and payments. Among other duties, he is responsible for the establishment of policies related to financial aid and aid budgets, monitors and integrates...

Bernie Pekala is currently the Director of Student Financial Strategies, Boston College, and serves as the University’s chief financial strategist in the areas of student financial aid, loans, accounts, collections, receivables, reconciliations and payments. Among other duties, he is responsible for the establishment of policies related to financial aid and aid budgets, monitors and integrates federal, state and institutional programs for financial aid, and develops approaches to meet the financial need of all students.

He has been a frequent presenter at NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), EASFAA (Eastern Association…), MASFAA (Massachusetts Association…) and the College Board. Currently, he is serving on NASFAA’s Student Debt Task Force and is the Past-President of MASFAA. He is a long-time member of MASFAA’s Government Relations Committee and past Chair. Before working for Boston College, Pekala worked for Tufts University and Emerson College.

Steven Post (NY)

Director

Steven Post is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of L-3 Communications, a prime contractor in aerospace systems and national security solutions. Before assuming his current position in 2008, Steve held several positions at L-3 and its predecessor companies, including, most recently, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Integrated Systems Group...

Steven Post is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of L-3 Communications, a prime contractor in aerospace systems and national security solutions. Before assuming his current position in 2008, Steve held several positions at L-3 and its predecessor companies, including, most recently, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Integrated Systems Group and, prior to that, group counsel and associate counsel positions. Prior to joining L-3, he was an instructor in the Contract Law department at the Judge Advocate General’s School in Charlottesville, VA.

He began his legal and military career at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate in Ft. Dix, NJ, as the contract and fiscal law advisor and as senior trial counsel. Following that assignment, Steve served as a trial attorney in the litigation division for the Judge Advocate General at the Pentagon. Post earned his law degree with honors from Indiana University, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton.

Pamela Schmidle (DC)

Director

As an educator and the spouse of a Marine officer, Pamela Schmidle is passionate about providing innovative educational opportunities for all children. She taught in various programs nationwide for over 35 years. In 1995 she developed the first Integrated Preschool Program for the Department of Defense schools at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA....

As an educator and the spouse of a Marine officer, Pamela Schmidle is passionate about providing innovative educational opportunities for all children. She taught in various programs nationwide for over 35 years. In 1995 she developed the first Integrated Preschool Program for the Department of Defense schools at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA.

Schmidle is currently serving as a consultant to the staff of childcare and early childhood education programs in the DC area under a grant through the University of the District of Columbia. She continues to serve on the Innovation Advisory Council for the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at The George Washington University where she was an adjunct faculty member for two years.

Schmidle graduated from Drew University with a B.A. in Psychology. She earned her graduate degree at Smith College in the Education of the Deaf, with an additional focus on children with multiple handicaps.

She is the wife of LtGen Robert E. Schmidle Jr. USMC and the mother of Christian, a former Captain of Marines, and Nicholas, a staff writer for The New Yorker.

Charles C. Scianna (TX)

Director

Charles Scianna is a Scholarship Foundation American Patriots Campaign Cabinet member and Houston Dinner Scarlet & Gold committee co-chairman. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during college and in Vietnam. Scianna co-founded Sim-Tex in 1986 and is currently the owner and president of the company. He has over 36 years of experience in the...

Charles Scianna is a Scholarship Foundation American Patriots Campaign Cabinet member and Houston Dinner Scarlet & Gold committee co-chairman. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during college and in Vietnam.

Scianna co-founded Sim-Tex in 1986 and is currently the owner and president of the company. He has over 36 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. A native of Bay St. Louis, MS, Scianna earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s degree in Business from the University of Houston.

Scianna and his wife, Rita, are active community volunteers in Houston and supportive philanthropists nationally. He has served as president of the Waller Economic Development Corporation and is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council in Bellville, TX. In addition to donating a gift to the Business College of Southern Miss to help fund a building that will bear their name, the Sciannas support St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Boys and Girls Country, a home providing children from families in crisis with security and opportunities to prepare for a successful life, and other foundations.

K. Patrick Sirmon (AL)

Director

Patrick Sirmon retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1993 as a colonel. A naval aviator and flight instructor, his Marine service included more than four years of active duty, with service in Vietnam. Sirmon’s civilian career included 24 years with Aetna Life and Casualty as a regional manager and manager of their agency development...

Patrick Sirmon retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1993 as a colonel. A naval aviator and flight instructor, his Marine service included more than four years of active duty, with service in Vietnam. Sirmon’s civilian career included 24 years with Aetna Life and Casualty as a regional manager and manager of their agency development and marketing. This was followed by over 11 years with Zurich Financial Services, serving as an insurance center manager in several metropolitan areas and, ultimately, as a senior regional vice president. Sirmon served on the MCSF Chicago Golf committee for three years and has held leadership positions with several philanthropic organizations.

William K. Skiles (VA)

Director

A Marine servant leader of 32 years, Bill Skiles served in billets ranging from sniper instructor to being the lead presenter for ethical behavior for the Commandant. From being an award-winning writer to transporting Marines off the battlefield in Fallujah, Skiles has hoped to make a positive impact on the lives of all Marines and...

A Marine servant leader of 32 years, Bill Skiles served in billets ranging from sniper instructor to being the lead presenter for ethical behavior for the Commandant. From being an award-winning writer to transporting Marines off the battlefield in Fallujah, Skiles has hoped to make a positive impact on the lives of all Marines and their families. Bill currently owns a company called COHESION BOOTCAMP that presents cohesion/ethical behavior/mentoring and leadership to various companies. He also employs as an executive security advisor that covers personal, physical and environmental safety through risk mitigation. He is married to Tanis Lynn and has two great kids, William and Stacey.

Manning J. Smith III (PA)

Director

Manning Smith is President of the Diversified Technology Group of Indel, Inc. A former Marine captain, he served as an artillery officer with the 2d Battalion, 12th Marines and as an intelligence officer with the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. As a reservist, he served with the 1st and 3d Battalion, 14th Marines. He received his...

Manning Smith is President of the Diversified Technology Group of Indel, Inc. A former Marine captain, he served as an artillery officer with the 2d Battalion, 12th Marines and as an intelligence officer with the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. As a reservist, he served with the 1st and 3d Battalion, 14th Marines.

He received his BA degree from Dartmouth College, where he joined the Marine PLC program as a freshman and was commissioned following graduation in 1962. Released from active duty in 1965, Smith entered the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and received his MBA in 1967. He worked as an auditor, becoming a CPA in 1970.

In 1983 he joined Indel, Inc., a New Jersey-based group of engineering and technology-based companies delivering diverse technology and manufacturing a wide variety of capital equipment. Starting as Director of Corporate Development and advancing to Group Vice President and Group President, Smith has been closely involved with the company’s growth worldwide.

Smith is a Director of the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University and has been active with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation since 1992. He and his wife, Ginny, have established Memorial Scholarships in honor of his father, LCDR Manning J. Smith, Jr., USNR (Ret.) and his uncle, Capt Lowell H. Smith USMCR.

Smith received the Philadelphia Committee Globe and Anchor Award in 2008.

Richard "Rick" Stephens (IL)

Director

Rick Stephens retired March 2013 from The Boeing Company as senior vice president, Human Resources and Administration reporting to the Chairman. Stephens, during a 33-year career at Boeing, led a number of business areas at sites across the U.S. and around the world including Homeland Security and Services, Space Shuttle, Tactical Combat Systems and Internal...

Rick Stephens retired March 2013 from The Boeing Company as senior vice president, Human Resources and Administration reporting to the Chairman. Stephens, during a 33-year career at Boeing, led a number of business areas at sites across the U.S. and around the world including Homeland Security and Services, Space Shuttle, Tactical Combat Systems and Internal Services. He worked in finance, engineering, program management and general management.

Stephens received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1974 from the University of Southern California, where he was the Boeing executive focal, and his Master of Science degree in computer science in 1984 from California State University, Fullerton. He is a former Marine Corps officer. Stephens is an enrolled member of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and served as tribal chairman from 1988 to 1989.

Rick and his wife Elane (a native of Brewster County), between them, have 6 children and 9 grandchildren and well understand the important role that parents and community members have in setting expectations of personal accountability and values from the time children are born until they enter the workforce. Today they work together as partners in a not-for-profit organization called Birth2Work.

Robert J. Stevens (MD)

Director

Robert J. Stevens is the Retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation. He served as the Corporation’s CEO from August 2004 through December 2012, was elected Chairman in April 2005 and served as Executive Chairman from January through December 2013. Previously, he held a variety of increasingly responsible executive positions with...

Robert J. Stevens is the Retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation. He served as the Corporation’s CEO from August 2004 through December 2012, was elected Chairman in April 2005 and served as Executive Chairman from January through December 2013.
Previously, he held a variety of increasingly responsible executive positions with the Corporation, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and head of Strategic Planning through a career that has included experience in program management, finance, manufacturing, and operations.

Mr. Stevens currently serves as the Lead Director of the Monsanto Company, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Steel Corporation, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, and the Atlantic Council. He is a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Royal Aeronautical Society, and the International Academy of Astronautics, and he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

In 2001, Mr. Stevens served on President George W. Bush’s Commission to Examine the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry. In January 2012, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations and he currently serves as Chairman of the Director of National Intelligence Senior Advisory Group.

Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Mr. Stevens is a summa cum laude graduate of Slippery Rock University, from which he received the Distinguished Alumni Award. He earned a master’s degree in engineering and management from the Polytechnic University of New York and, with a Fairchild Fellowship, earned a master’s degree in business from Columbia University. He is a graduate of the Department of Defense Systems Management College Program Management course and also served in the United States Marine Corps. He has been recognized by the National Management Association as Executive of the Year, by Government Computer News as the Industry Executive of the Year, by the Partnership for Public Service with the Private Sector Council Leadership Award, and by the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation with the Globe and Anchor Award. In 2010, he received the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s inaugural LeJeune Recognition for Exemplary Leadership, and in 2011 he was recognized by the National Defense Industrial Association with the James Forrestal Industry Leadership Award and inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame. In May 2012, Mr. Stevens was recognized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics with its highest honor, Honorary Fellow. In October 2012, he was presented the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Chairman’s Award, and in December 2012, Mr. Stevens became the 65th recipient of the National Aeronautic Association Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually for “significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States.” In March 2013, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s highest award, the Circle of Honor Award, and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s Semper Fidelis Award, and in September 2014, he was awarded the Lone Sailor Award by the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation.

Lieutenant General George J. Trautman III USMC (Ret.) (VA)

Director

Lieutenant General George Trautman began his military career as a Marine Corps aviator in 1974. During more than 36 years on active duty, he served in a wide variety of assignments and commanded units at every level prior to his retirement on 1 April 2011. In his last assignment as the Marine Corps Deputy Commandant...

Lieutenant General George Trautman began his military career as a Marine Corps aviator in 1974. During more than 36 years on active duty, he served in a wide variety of assignments and commanded units at every level prior to his retirement on 1 April 2011. In his last assignment as the Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DC(A)), he oversaw aviation forces consisting of almost 40,000 officers and enlisted Marines and was responsible for developing requirements and transition plans for the delivery of new aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey, KC-130J Hercules, UH-1Y Venom, AH-1Z Viper, and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

In addition to his military service, LtGen Trautman has a long record of community involvement. He has worked on several educational initiatives to support the needs of transitioning military-connected students, including the establishment of school liaisons at all Marine Corps bases and the Joint Venture Education Forum in Hawaii. He also acts as a national advisor to the Military Child Education Coalition. For the past three years, he has served on the boards of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Naval Aviation Enterprise. A 2009 recipient of the Pennsylvania State University Distinguished Alumni Award, LtGen Trautman was instrumental in forming and serving as a charter member of the Penn State Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence Advisory Board for the university’s Department of Aerospace Engineering.

LtGen Trautman is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He later received a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and Master of Arts degrees in International Relations from Salve Regina University and in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and has served as a Fellow in residence at the Brookings Institution.

He is married to the former Zoe Yoder. They reside in Virginia and have two children.

LtGen Willie J. Williams (Ret.) (AL)

Director

Commissioned a second lieutenant in May 1974, Lieutenant General Willie J. Williams served as the Director of the Marine Corps Staff from July 2009 until his retirement July 10, 2013 at Marine Barracks Washington after nearly 40 years of service. As the top adviser to two Commandants of the Marine Corps, he is one of...

Commissioned a second lieutenant in May 1974, Lieutenant General Willie J. Williams served as the Director of the Marine Corps Staff from July 2009 until his retirement July 10, 2013 at Marine Barracks Washington after nearly 40 years of service. As the top adviser to two Commandants of the Marine Corps, he is one of only four African-American Marines to wear the rank of three-star general.

LtGen Williams began his career with the 11th Marine Artillery Regiment in May 1975, serving first as a Battalion Supply Officer and then as the Regimental Supply Officer/Assistant S4 Officer. LtGen Williams’ personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Department of Defense Service Badge.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Business Administration) from Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL, a Master of Arts Degree (Business Administration) from National University, San Diego, CA, a Master of Science Degree (Strategic Resources Management) from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Stillman College, and an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from Albany State University.

General William L. “Spider” Nyland USMC (Ret.) (FL)

Chairman Emeritus

General William L. "Spider" Nyland served the Marine Corps more than 37 years, retiring in November 2005 as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. His distinguished career included 122 combat missions with fighter attack squadrons in Vietnam, and subsequent combat sorties in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He commanded VMFA-232, MATSG Pensacola and 2d Marine...

General William L. “Spider” Nyland served the Marine Corps more than 37 years, retiring in November 2005 as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. His distinguished career included 122 combat missions with fighter attack squadrons in Vietnam, and subsequent combat sorties in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He commanded VMFA-232, MATSG Pensacola and 2d Marine Aircraft Wing. He was the first Naval Flight Officer(NFO) ever selected to the general officer ranks. Gen has been a very active supporter of, and faithful attendee at, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation balls and golf tournaments for many years. He resides with his wife, Brenda, in Pensacola, FL.

Lieutenant General Stephen G. Olmstead USMC (Ret) (VA)

Chairman Emeritus

Stephen G. Olmstead served as chairman of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation for six years. He is past president of Partners Against Drug Abuse, Inc. and served on the board of directors of the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. He was national chairman of the Marine Corps League Exposition Committee, is president of the United...

Stephen G. Olmstead served as chairman of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation for six years. He is past president of Partners Against Drug Abuse, Inc. and served on the board of directors of the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. He was national chairman of the Marine Corps League Exposition Committee, is president of the United States Marine Youth Foundation and past president of The Chosin Few, a Korea veterans organization. He retired from the United States Marine Corps as a lieutenant general in 1989 after more than 40 years of distinguished service.

Lieutenant General Jeffrey W. Oster USMC (Ret.) (VA)

Chairman Emeritus

Lieutenant General Jeffrey Oster served in a civilian capacity in Iraq from February through June 2004 as the Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), one of two principal deputies to Ambassador L. Paul Bremer. He remained in Iraq to assist in the transition of governance from the CPA to...

Lieutenant General Jeffrey Oster served in a civilian capacity in Iraq from February through June 2004 as the Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), one of two principal deputies to Ambassador L. Paul Bremer. He remained in Iraq to assist in the transition of governance from the CPA to Iraqi sovereignty and to support the establishment of the US Embassy.

During the last five of his 35 years on active duty, LtGen Oster served and commanded at every level of the Marine Corps Operating Forces. Additionally, he has focused on Christian ministry, philanthropic and service activities, including serving as the chairman of the Executive Committee of the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International; as vice chairman of the Board of Governors of the Marine Corps Association; and as vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the Navy Mutual Aid Association.

L. Morgan Porter, Jr.

Of Counsel

Morgan Porter practices general business law in the Chicago area with expertise in tax matters, as well as trusts and estates. He was a member of the Chicago Marine Scholarship Ball committee for over 20 years. His expertise in taxation, estate planning, corporate and administrative law has enabled him to provide invaluable support and counsel...

Morgan Porter practices general business law in the Chicago area with expertise in tax matters, as well as trusts and estates. He was a member of the Chicago Marine Scholarship Ball committee for over 20 years. His expertise in taxation, estate planning, corporate and administrative law has enabled him to provide invaluable support and counsel to the Scholarship Foundation.

Dr. James Weinlader

President Emeritus

Dr. Weinlader has been actively involved with the Foundation since 1977, serving with the Chicago Marine Scholarship Ball committee for seventeen years, and on the Foundation's Board of Directors beginning in 1983. Jim's dedication culminated in his election as President of the Foundation in 1994, a position he held until the end of 2004. A...

Dr. Weinlader has been actively involved with the Foundation since 1977, serving with the Chicago Marine Scholarship Ball committee for seventeen years, and on the Foundation’s Board of Directors beginning in 1983. Jim’s dedication culminated in his election as President of the Foundation in 1994, a position he held until the end of 2004. A retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel, he spent his working career in education, serving for two decades in college teaching and adminstration and sixteen years with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed or authorized this activity. No Federal or United State Marine Corps endorsement intended.